Having this kind of time to warn of the incoming flare and the tornado outbreak that will follow, why would the NWS not release a general alert? Something like-

“We expect a 100% chance of tornadoes and severe weather on January 24-25, 2012. All persons within the United States should be aware and prepared on these dates and put in place their preparedness plans.”

If they are right, how many lives would be saved? If they are wrong, it is time to explain that they are attempting to expand their ability to forecast extreme weather events, and this is why they made the warning.

“A Weather Ready Nation” is the motto of the NWS. Education of what is causing our weather will enable all to be prepared and save countless lives.

Below- Images of the incoming CME, due here on january 24, 2012- Image 1 from GSFC. Image 2 from SDO.